Plassnik: Using adoption of the constitution to serve the unity of Iraq

26.10.2005

Constitutional referendum next step in the democratisation process

Vienna, 26 October 2005 - "The adoption of the draft constitution opens the next important chapter in Iraq’s democratisation process", said Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik after the announcement of the result of the referendum by Iraq’s election commission.

However, the result also reflected the division of the country along ethnic and religious lines, added Plassnik. Dialogue and the willingness to involve all groups in this process were called for. "I hope that the option of adapting the constitution, which was agreed upon by Shiites, Kurds and Sunnites a few days prior to the referendum, will be used in this spirit", said the Foreign Minister.

First and foremost, it was imperative to continue the democratisation process by means of the parliamentary elections scheduled for December. To further stabilise Iraq, it was also indispensable to improve the security situation and the living conditions of the population to create a stable and united Iraq in which democracy and a positive economic development would offer people opportunities for a better life, concluded Plassnik.